Barking with the Stars Read online

  “He didn’t do it.” I waited for Sam’s reaction. “Geoffrey did not kill Purple.”

  “I agree.” He turned on the stool. “I don’t think he did either.”

  “He has a heart attack and then the murder weapon is found in his apartment.” Dogbert jumped into my lap and I scratched his ears. “I don’t buy it.”

  “If not him, then who?” Sam shifted from the stool to sit beside me.

  “I think there are two very good possibilities.” I pulled my knees up and Dogbert jumped down to go check for food. Thelma and Louise, hearing Sam’s voice, came out of hiding and made their way across the back of the couch to his lap.

  “Who do you suspect?” Sam absently petted each feline in turn.

  “Lew Simpson is a collector of memorabilia and had given Purple a very rare album to sign. He claims she never returned it to him. There’s big money involved and I think he could have broken into her suite in an attempt to get his property back.”

  “Wasn’t there any security for her suite?”

  “There were security cameras but they’d been hacked.” Louise shifted to my lap and circled a few times before settling in. “He works in the tech field and I think would have the expertise to disable the cameras.”

  “But why kill her? Why not simply take what he was after?” Sam had stopped petting Thelma and she batted at his hand to get his attention.

  “I think he didn’t expect her to be there and maybe panicked and hit her over the head.” I drained my coffee cup. “She’d begun staying at the hotel because of remodeling at her house.”

  “That seems like a possible scenario.” Sam leaned back into the cushions.

  “More coffee?” I offered. I was glad to have a someone to talk out my theories. Usually that would be Diana, but she’d been so tied up with all that had gone on with Barking with the Stars, we’d not had a chance to discuss some of things I’d learned.

  “Let me get the coffee.” Sam set Thelma beside me and took my cup. “You’re clearly being held down.” He indicated the purring Louise who batted her eyes in response. “You said, two possibilities. Who’s the other?”

  “A former bandmate, Trevor Lang, who was trying to settle some sort of business dealings with Purple. According to her assistant there were papers Purple had promised to sign.”

  Sam handed me a full cup of coffee and perched on the arm of the couch with his own cup. “What kind of business dealings?”

  “I haven’t been able to find out. I hope Malone and company have talked to him.”

  “I’m sure they have.”

  “I know.” I had spotted the fleeting smile. “I saw Trevor arguing with Mandy—that’s the assistant—and I overheard a conversation between him and Drake Owen, Purple’s fiancé.”

  “You’ve been busy,” Sam noted.

  “There’s something not being said there. Some sort of secret. Mandy isn’t saying. Even Drake Owen isn’t saying.” I shifted to look at Sam, and both cats decided it was time to look for a less antsy sleeping spot. “Call it intuition or whatever, but I think there’s something not being shared. Something that might help with the investigation.”

  “Caro, love, generally when you have a sense about someone or something, it’s not guesswork or even intuition. It’s your highly tuned people skills working on the problem.”

  Aww, see this was why I found the guy irresistible.

  He got me. He believed in me. So why couldn’t I commit?

  “Thanks for that.” I held out a hand and he helped me out of the cushions. “I hope Malone is truly continuing to tie up loose ends and that one of those loose ends leads to the real killer.”

  I gathered up our coffee cups and took them to the kitchen. Opening the refrigerator and peering in at its lackluster contents, I offered to rustle up some sort of breakfast.

  Sam passed. Which was undoubtedly a good thing because I wasn’t sure I could have delivered. Unless he was interested in an apple pupcake, I didn’t have much to offer.

  Sam’s ride was there to pick him up. I thanked him again for bringing my car to me. It probably could have waited, but I felt better having it at home. He left to take care of some business he needed to deal with and I started the process of returning calls.

  I wondered how many would have already heard about the murder weapon being found at Geoffrey’s apartment. Malone had said they wouldn’t release the information, but I’d bet within hours it would be out there. In so many ways, Laguna Beach was a small town where everybody knew everybody else’s business.

  Murder weapon or not, nothing had changed as far as I was concerned. To me the best bets were still Lew Simpson or Trevor Lang. Both had problems with Purple; both had had a lot to lose. And I’d witnessed both lose their temper.

  Chapter Nineteen

  I REALLY WANTED to talk to Mandy about Geoffrey. She was the one who’d been right there and might know something that would help. She would know how much he’d drank and what else he might have taken. Some drugs have odd interactions with alcohol. Or maybe there was something he’d ingested that had caused an allergic reaction. Or could be it was a simple heart attack as they suspected.

  I wasn’t sure she’d talk to me if I was up front about the reason, but I’d use the excuse of checking in about the event. And in all honesty, I really did need to go over some of the details with all the changes that had occurred. If Mandy loved anything, she loved details. And maybe she had a detail, a piece of information that could help clear Geoffrey and didn’t even realize it.

  I called her cell phone and she picked up right away.

  “Hi, Mandy, it’s Caro and I have a couple of items I wanted to confirm with you about tonight.” I pulled out my list. “But first, I just wanted to say, I know it must have been awful for you when Geoffrey collapsed.”

  “Yes, that was scary.” She paused. “Still he seems the type to have a heart attack, doesn’t he? I mean so intense about everything.”

  “I don’t agree.” I hadn’t meant to say it quite so sharply.

  Geoffrey was a slick charmer, a louse of a husband, and user. But I wouldn’t have called him intense. He was more apt to weasel his way out of a problem than fight.

  “Well, I guess you would know,” Mandy noted.

  “Is there anything you can think of that would have brought on his heart attack?” I asked. “Maybe something he ate or drank.”

  “He’d definitely been drinking before he picked me up.” Mandy hesitated. “I wouldn’t say he was drunk.”

  “When I saw you and Geoffrey come into the restaurant, he seemed to be acting a little strange.”

  “What do you mean by strange?” she asked.

  “He was loud and boisterous. He got a little crazy, dancing, talking to people.” I detailed what I’d seen. “Anything you noticed?”

  “He’d called and said he wanted to meet about the dog,” she began.

  “I thought he was no longer working with Lavender,” I interrupted. That’s what I’d understood anyway. Sheron had been pretty clear about it.

  “That’s right,” Mandy agreed. “But he said he had some major concerns about her and I thought I’d better hear him out.”

  That sounded like the Geoffrey I knew. Using Mandy’s worries to wiggle his way back in to working with the pup. Wining and dining her when if he’d truly had concerns they could have been handled with a phone call.

  “Anything in particular you noticed when Geoffrey picked you up?” I still wasn’t convinced that she hadn’t been taken in by his attentions.

  “Like I said, he smelled like he’d been hitting the bottle.”

  “I didn’t see him drink anything at the restaurant.” I couldn’t be sure but I didn’t think there had been time for the waiter to even bring a drink.

  She thought for
a couple of minutes. “He did mention that he’d been at the Cabana with some of the people from the event.”

  “Do you know who?” Could it have been Trevor or Lew? Could one of them have slipped something into Geoffrey’s drink?

  “I don’t remember that he mentioned names. What are you getting at?”

  “I’m not sure. He just didn’t seem to be himself.” I’d probably probed enough about Geoff. It didn’t seem like she knew anything that would convince Malone. Still if the police could talk to others who had been at the Cabana, maybe someone would remember seeing Geoffrey and whom he was with.

  “Sorry I can’t be of more help.” She had tried. And had given me some new information to share with Malone.

  “That’s okay,” I responded. “I’m just still trying to process it all, I guess.”

  “I understand.”

  I’m sure she could. I reminded myself that Mandy had lost someone close to her a few days ago. And now, another death right in front of her. I felt bad for pressing so hard.

  “Can we talk through a couple of things about tonight? I know Rufus will be there to keep everything moving smoothly.” I flipped to the page with the program order. “I’ll be backstage to help with any of the pets that need assistance. It can be a little hard on them with so much going on. They’re not show dogs, so they’re not used to the smells of all the other dogs and the sounds of a production like this.”

  “I’m sure it will be chaotic.”

  “Now, you said you’ll be bringing Lavender, is that right?” I hoped the dog could stay calm. If we ended up with the endless loop of barking, that could be bad for the other dogs and make the finale a no-go.

  “Yes, I’ll keep her in the dressing room until just before it’s time.”

  “That’s great. And then you’ll hand her off to Drake for the finale, right?”

  Rufus had clarified that would be the only time they’d need Lavender on stage. She was, in a way, standing in for Purple.

  “Right,” she confirmed. I sensed a lack of warmth when I mentioned the country star. I guess she wasn’t as enamored with him as the majority of the female population. “Is Drake okay with Lavender? I mean has he held her? If they’re not used to each other that can cause a problem.”

  “I think they’ll be okay for that short time.” Mandy didn’t seem at all concerned and she’d probably seen them together.

  I hoped she was right but I wasn’t so sure. An animal who’d just lost her human, handed off to a strange man in front of a crowd of hundreds. I wished we’d been able to rehearse with Lavender.

  “Drake will do the final number while holding Lavender?”

  “That’s right.” I could almost see her multi-tasking with her cell phone on the other end.

  For the finale, Drake would sing to Lavender one of his hit songs, “Man’s Best Friend.” However, for this performance he’d altered the lyrics to say, “woman’s best friend, too.” It was sure to be emotional for all of Purple’s friends and fans.

  “Then he’ll bring Lavender back to you.” Another worry for me that Drake was able to handle the dog. “Will you be there to take the dog at that point?”

  “I will.”

  “Okay, sounds like we’re good.” I still thought having Sheron there would have been a good idea. Maybe I’d see if she was available as a backup.

  I had a thought. I’d bet Sheron would love to see the show. I’d call and let her know I’d leave a ticket for her at the front desk. I made a note to myself.

  “Thanks for indulging me.” I tucked my list away. “I’m afraid I’m a little frazzled with all that’s happened.”

  There was a pause.

  “I’m sure you are too,” I continued. “By the way, I saw your friend Trevor at the rehearsal. Someone said he’s playing backup for Drake Owen.”

  “Not my friend, but good for him.” Her voice had hardened.

  “His issue with Purple, it got resolved?” I pressed.

  “Trevor had business with Purple. It’s been taken care of.”

  That sounded like an echo of the conversation between Drake Owen and Trevor. Motive. What motive could Geoffrey have possibly had? None, that I could tell. But it sounded like Trevor may have.

  “Taken care of?” I said. “In what way?”

  “What’s this? An interrogation?” Much like Sheron had when I talked to her about Trevor, Mandy bristled when I brought him up. Neither seemed to want to talk about the details of Trevor’s problem with Purple.

  “No, of course not. I’m sorry.” I needed to back off and quit badgering the girl. “You know, I guess I’m just still in shock.”

  “I understand.” I could hear her take a deep breath. “I’m sure it will all be sorted out soon.”

  Oh, Mandy, if only you knew.

  AFTER TALKING TO Mandy, I returned the other calls. It was comforting to talk to Diana. I think she understood more than anyone else how I could despise the man and still mourn the loss.

  “I know it won’t do any good because you’re going to be there anyway, but truly if you’re not up to tonight, it’s okay.” I could hear barks in the background and Bella, her housekeeper, shouting at the dogs to be quiet. It was comfortingly familiar. “You’ve done plenty already.”

  “I want to be there.” I knew the show could go on without me, but couldn’t imagine not seeing this through.

  “I know you do.” I could hear the smile in her voice. “But I had to say it.”

  “Fine, you’ve said it.” I loved her honest straightforward way. “Now, I’ve got to get dressed. I’ll see you there.”

  Chapter Twenty

  LET’S GET THIS show on the road. It was time, I was ready, and I was dressed to the nines. More like the tens, if the price tag on my outfit was any indicator. Pink Valentino crepe trousers and a long, floral silk tunic suited the tropical décor, and seemed perfect for the night and the venue. Though it was to be a star-studded evening, I still needed the freedom of movement to get nose to nose with our furry friends.

  Sam left his Ferrari with the parking valet who all but drooled over the flashy blue sports car. I’m sure Sam was used to it by now. Even in a part of California where flashy sports cars are plentiful, it stood out. We locked arms and entered the hotel.

  I’d talked to Malone before leaving home. He’d promised to follow up with the information Mandy had shared about where Geoff had been prior to coming to the hotel with her. While it seemed pretty clear that Geoffrey had died from a heart attack, they had planned an autopsy because of the circumstances. But there wasn’t any indication it had been anything else. I knew in my heart of hearts there was something more. If they could just find it.

  The hotel lobby was lined with the best of the Hollywood press corps. Cameras flashed. We stopped for a photo op.

  Mama Kat would be so pleased if I actually made the news in something unrelated to a murder. And on the arm of a handsome eligible bachelor? Well, she would be beyond thrilled. I might not be exactly back to good daughter status, but it was definitely something she could brag about at the club. It didn’t matter that my ex-husband, an accused killer, had just died of a heart attack right before my very eyes the night before.

  It doesn’t matter how you feel, it’s how you look. A frequent quote from the Mama Kat book of “You-Better-Get-It-Together-Girl Rules of Life.”

  Sam squeezed my hand and smiled. “You okay?”

  I nodded and smiled back.

  Click. There’s your photo, Mama.

  We slipped off to the side.

  “I’m going to have to miss the pre-show refreshments,” I told Sam. “I need to head backstage and make sure everything’s hunky dory.” I was still concerned about the potential for day-of nervousness of both celebs and dogs.

  “I’ll mingle wit
h Diana and Dino.” He waved at them across the room. “And then Dino and I will save you and Diana seats down front in the reserved area.” He lifted my hand and kissed it. A gesture that would have seemed overdone by anyone else, but was so much a part of who he was it seemed natural. “If you can get away to see some of the show, great. If not, I’ll see you right after.”

  I made my way through the back hallways again to the dressing rooms. Earlier I’d confirmed arrangements, and I knew Rufus had everything under control. But I’d promised my clients that I’d be available through the show and I wanted to do one last walk-through.

  Rufus stood by the backstage entrance resplendent in his black tux, purple vest, and perfectly tied bow tie. His ever-present tablet was polished and at the ready. He seemed amazingly calm. In fact, calmer than I’d seen him through the whole thing. When he saw me, he stopped.

  “You look gorgeous,” he said.

  “Thanks, hon.” I joined him. “You don’t look too bad yourself.”

  “You don’t have to do this,” he said, his voice thick with emotion.

  “Yes, I do.” I patted his arm. “But I appreciate the thought.”

  I first checked in on Shar. There were pink sparkles everywhere. And I mean everywhere. The hotel would be cleaning up sparkles for the next six months. Babycakes had a new gown. And what a gown it was. I swear my fancy Texas cotillion party dress would have seemed drab in comparison to the Chinese Crested’s latest frock.

  “She looks best-in-show tonight and so do you.” I gave Shar a thumbs-up.

  “Thanks, Caro.” The little actress seemed in control of Babycakes, a situation that would never have happened when we’d first met. I felt good about the difference.

  I moved on to Armand and Elizabeth Watts and their little Skye Terrier, Plucky. Again, everything under control. Next stop, Carson. I also poked my head in and checked on Kristen Karmania and Scamp, her teacup chihuahua. Given the circumstances it seemed like the right thing to do.